Apple's latest patent is for a blood pressure monitor

Apple may soon offer a wearable device that monitors blood pressure, according to a U.S. patent application made public June 6, The Verge reports.

The patent application is for a device that could be part of a portable electronic device or communicate wirelessly with one. Because the patent application claims were so broad, it is not yet clear whether the wearable blood pressure cuff would be part of the Apple Watch or its own device.

"The system may be located on a wearable or mobile device, while the controller may be located on the same device or a separate device, for example, a computer or separate wearable or mobile device. In one example the system may be located on a wrist-worn device (e.g., a watch, wristband, or bracelet)," the patent states. It adds: "The system may be in a separate module that is attachable by a user to a wearable or mobile device."

The device would use one or more sensors to measure blood pressure and an "actuator" to determine how much pressure is needed to get a reading without overtly squeezing the user's arm.